Question

Which mode of nutrition is found in Rhizopus, yeast, and Penicillium?

• A. Autotrophic
• B. Symbiotic
• C. Saprophytic
• D. Parasitic

Answer 1

The correct option is C Saprophytic

Fungi are achlorophyllous and hence their mode of nutrition is heterotrophic. They are either parasitic, saprophytic or symbiotic. Mode of nutrition in Rhizopus, yeast and Penicillium is saprophytic. In saprophytic nutrition, the organism feeds on dead and decaying organisms.

Parasitic nutrition has the organism feeding on a live host, causing harm to the host. Example: Albugo.

In symbiotic nutrition, there is a mutual give and take relationship between two organisms and both are benefited. Example: Lichens which comprise a fungus living in a symbiotic relationship with an alga or cyanobacterium.

Plants are autotrophic organisms. Autotrophs are those organisms that can synthesize their own food as we see in green plants. Through photosynthesis they trap sunlight and convert it into chemical energy in the form of ATP and use this energy to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide into a carbohydrate.